Rum Runners Trail

Halifax / South Shore
119KM
3-4 days
1-3 days
City/woodlands/coastal/beaches/history/bridges

MOST sections of the Rum Runners Trail have REOPENED. Sections that remain CLOSED are listed below (current as of March 2024):

Halifax to East River is OPEN (This includes Chain of Lakes, BLT, St Margaret’s Bay, and Aspotogan Trails)

CHESTER CONNECTION TRAIL

CLOSED: East River to East Chester (Duncan Road). This closure includes the CASTLE ROCK Trail System.  There is no access, and no emergency services available in this area. Expected to reopen Spring 2024 (check for updates before embarking on your trip).

OPEN:  East Chester (Duncan Rd) to Chester (Smith Rd)

CLOSED: Chester (Smith Rd.) to Chester Basin (Highway 12). Expected to reopen Spring 2024 (check for updates before embarking on your trip).

OPEN:  Chester Basin (Highway 12) to Frank Swinamer Rd (Western Shore) [except Gold River bridge]; and from Swinimer Rd to the Martins River bridge. [the bridge between Swinimer Rd and Frank Swinamer Rd is still under repair and this short section remains CLOSED]

Martins River to Lunenburg is OPEN (this includes the Dynamite Trail and Bay to Bay Trail)

Please respect our trail crews and volunteers and refrain from using the trails until they can be deemed safe.

GOLD RIVER BRIDGE CLOSED: Effective Friday, September 24, 2021 the Gold River Bridge is CLOSED to all traffic.

How to use map: The Rum Runners Trail is a collective of seven municipal and volunteer trail organizations.  Click on the trail section next to the partner’s name to learn more.  Click “View Legend” in the bottom right side of the map to reveal a full list of points of interest.  Toggle the checkboxes on and off to view amenities of interest to you.  Both the desktop and mobile versions of the map will show you where you are on the trail and in relation to nearby services and attractions.

Dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Cell phone coverage is very good throughout the length of the trail, but there may be occasional reception issues. If you have a question, or to report any trail issues, please contact Chester Recreation and Parks at 902-275-3490 or recreation@chester.ca.  Your concern or inquiry will be directed to the appropriate partner trail group. For the Harvest Moon Trail, or Celtics Shores, please see the contact information on their respective pages.